Good research by the writer. I've linked the story below but part of it may be subscription only. But I'll add that D1 Softball is an excellent publication and has some really good content.

However, most of the the points mentioned in the story are things that Hokie fans who regularly follow the program already know, so I feel comfortable sharing them here. That's especially true if one attended any of the Fall Ball games. It's just nice to finally have a national publication recognize the potential of the Hokies.

The Hokies will be throwing the ball around the infield after strikeouts in hopes of cutting down errors. At times last season, VT made some errors at inopportune times and Coach D'Amour is hoping to keep the infielders more involved by quickly and briskly throwing the ball around after strikeouts. I was at practice both Tuesday and today and commented that the defense looks much improved and Coach Mike Lewis replied that "we're getting there."

“Our question mark, and I said it all of last year, is our infield defense. If Keely is striking out 15 and we can make those six plays, we can win,” D’Amour said. “It’s just the basics of can we throw the ball to first base and those kinds of things and not give outs away. That is the key to us right now. Can our infield defense be aware just to make the basic plays.”

Coach D'Amour believes that some of the newcomers might contribute immediately. Fans of the program already know their highlights before they arrived in Blacksburg.

**Emma Lemley had an outstanding high school and travel ball career and was ranked as the #30 recruit by Extra Innings Softball. “We’ve had a couple of fall games and she has struck out 23 of 25,” D’Amour said. “She throws hard, upper 60s with a good rise ball and competes. She has been very impressive so far this fall.”

**Bre Peck was the Pennsylvania Player of the Year and she was ranked #21 by Extra Innings. “She throws 70 overhand, can run, play defense and hit,” D’Amour said. “She’s off to a good start.”

**Rachel Castine from Greenbrier Christian Academy was twice named Female Athlete of the Year. “She is a really savvy player. She can play shortstop, she can play third base, she can catch,” D’Amour said. “She is always in the right spot at the right time and runs the bases well.

**Ariana Wright from Georgia hit two monster home runs Friday night in Fall Ball - one of whihc bounced over the right field scoreboard. “She’s got as much power as anybody I’ve ever coached,” D’Amour said.

Of course, everyone knows all about Keely Rochard, but the coaches have been pleased with the progress of Ivy Rosenberry, Mackenzie Osborne and Molly Jacobson. “They showed flashes of what they can do last season as freshmen,” D’Amour said. “ I think with a year in the program they have improved in all aspects, so I am really excited to see them throw this spring.”

Coach is hopeful that those three and Lemley can take some of the load off of Keely, which will make the Hokies even more dangerous.

The offense should be fine with Kelsey Brown, Jayme Bailey, Kelsey Bennett, and Cam Fagan all returning and D'Amour believes the "outfield is one of the fastest in the country."

As mentioned in one of the Podcasts, the team spent the first couple of weeks of the fall working on mobility and D'Amour says "we are seeing it pay off. The kids feel better, they are moving better and I think they are going to play better.”

Exciting times in Blacksburg for sure.

Let's Go Hokies!!!







[Post edited by VTChip at 10/28/2021 10:01PM]